Genitourinary Medicine Flashcards
What is the aetiology of bacterial vaginosis?
It is caused by an overgrowth of predominantly anaerobic organisms in the vagina. They replace lactobacilli, the dominant bacteria present in the normal vagina. pH increases from 4.5 to as high as 6.
IT IS NOT AN STI
What are the risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?
Sexual activity New sexual partner Other STIs Ethnicity (more common in Afro-Caribbean women) Copper IUD Vaginal douching Smoking
What is the presentation in bacterial vaginosis?
Offensive, fishy-smelling vaginal discharge without soreness or irritation
White/grey discharge
On examination: a thin layer of white discharge covering the vaginal wall
What is the differential diagnosis for bacterial vaginosis?
Other vaginal infections
Other benign causes of vaginal discharge
Tumours of the vulva, vagina, cervix or endometrium
Postmenopausal discharge due to atrophic vaginitis
Vaginal discharge after gynaecological surgery
What investigations would you perform for bacterial vaginosis?
pH >4.5
Triple swabs for MC&S - Clue cells on Gram-stained slides
A fishy odour produced when 10% KOH is added to the discharge
What are the risks associated with bacterial vaginosis?
Increased risk of preterm labour
Intra-amniotic infection
Increased susceptibility to HIV
Post-termination sepsis
How is bacterial vaginosis treated?
PO metronidazole 2g one off or 400-500mg BD for 7 days
Clindamycin 2% gel applied to the vagina OD for 7 days
What is the pathogenesis involved in candidiasis?
95% of cases are due to candida albicans
5% of cases are due to candida glabrata
What are the risk factors for candidiasis?
Pregnancy Steroids Antibiotic use Immunodeficiency DM Chemotherapy Vaginal foreign body COCP
What are the symptoms of candidiasis?
Pruritus vulvae Vulval soreness White "cheesy" discharge - non-offensive Dyspareunia (superficial) Dysuria (external)
What are the signs of candidiasis?
Vulval erythema
Vulval oedema
Satellite lesions
Excoriation
What is the differential diagnosis for candidiasis?
BV Trichomonas STIs Atrophic vaginitis Lichen sclerosus Contact dermatitis Eczema Psoriasis Mechanical irritation Retrovesical fistula UTI Helminthic infection
What investigations would you perform for candidiasis?
Routine vaginal swabs are not required
If swabs are taken for MC&S - hyphae and spores
MSU to rule out UTI
What is the management for candidiasis?
Topical clotrimazole - cream or pessary
Oral fluconazole - 150mg single dose
If C. galbrata, try topical nystatin or oral imidazole for 7-14 days
What pathogen causes gonorrhoea?
Neisseria gonorrhoea, a Gram-negative intracellular diplococcus only infecting humans. It typically infects the GU tract, rectum, pharynx and conjunciva.
What are the risk factors for gonorrhoea?
Young age Previous STI Co-existant sTIs New/multiple sexual partners Recent sexual activity abroad Certain sexual activities e.g. anal intercourse Inconsistent condom use History of drug use or commercial sex work
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Discharge Dysuria Anal discharge Intermenstrual bleeding Pelvic pain
What are the signs of gonorrhoea?
Men: mucopurulent or purulent urethral discharge, epididymal tenderness/swelling or balanitis
Women: mucopurulent endocervical discharge, easily induced contact bleeding of the endocervix, pelvic tenderness, normal examination
Children: acute conjunctivitis (+ purulent discharge), usually bilateral and occuring <48 hours after birth
What investigations would you perform for gonorrhoea?
Swab for MC&S
Urine sample for NAATs
Blood culture and joint aspiration if disseminated GC is suspected
What is the management of gonorrhoea?
Ceftriaxone 500mg IM stat and azithromycin 1g orally stat
A test of cure is recommended in all cases